Fine Arts Department

Who Are We?

Our Mission:

As Art Educators, it is our goal to provide each and every student a
high-quality arts education. By enrolling in one of the art courses offered
at New Utrecht High School, students will discover the lifelong enjoyment
and wonder inherent in the visual arts. We encourage our students to
satisfy their curiosities and self-expression through their exploration of
the arts.

We provide opportunities for you to connect with art institutions like the
Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA, and the Guggenheim, or with organizations
that exhibit and perform the arts. We offer advanced study in the arts, and
promote participation in programs offered by arts schools such as SVA’s
Pre-college Program or Saturday Program, Pratt’s Saturday Art Program,
Cooper Union’s Arts Outreach Program and FIT’s High School Program. We also
introduce you to the many financially and personally rewarding careers
available in the arts-related industries.

Why Learn Art?

This is a question that many of you ask, especially if you are not
artistically inclined. Research has linked student involvement in the arts
to the following:

Improved academic achievement

Enhanced critical thinking skills

Increased creative self-expression and self confidence

Appreciation and respect for diversity

Improved discipline and time management skills

Increased physical, emotional and psychological enjoyment of life

What Are The Graduation Requirements in the Arts?

GRADES 9-12: New York State Graduation requirements for the arts include
one unit (one year) in visual arts and/or music. In New York City, one unit
of credit is the equivalent of approximately 108 hours of instruction by a
licensed arts teacher.

Availability of Arts Sequences NYSED Requirement: High schools have the
option of fulfilling the graduation requirement through either ½ unit of
credit (one semester each) in both visual arts and music, or one unit of
credit (one year) in one. All public school districts shall offer students
the opportunity to complete a three- or five-unit sequence in the arts.

What Courses Are Available?

Studio Art

Drawing

Painting levels 1, 2 &3

Computer Art

Graphic Design

Fashion Construction

Fashion Illustration

Portfolio 1

Portfolio 2

What is The Arts Academy?

Recognizing the needs of artistically talented students who want to attend
a local high school with a strong visual arts program, New Utrecht High
School now is offering placement into The Arts Academy. We are dedicated to
supporting the growth of young adults, as they become successful artists
and leaders in their community who display integrity, confidence,
creativity and commitment.

We offer a challenging visual arts curriculum with an emphasis on creating
real partnerships among students, teachers and parents as well as
collaborating with industry professionals. This sequential pre-professional
art program is enriched by our dedication to provide individualized
attention and focus on project based assignments, which prepare students
for top visual arts colleges and careers in the visual arts. During their
high school career, students with have the opportunity to participate in
exhibitions, juried art contests and internships..

The Academy Educators are practicing artists whose goal is to foster
students to become globally minded with a compassionate understanding of
the social, political, cultural and economic paradigms that inform our
communities and the world while inspiring them to set the highest standards
as they critically view the world, visually communicate and explore a wide
range of ideas and experiences.

All students who choose to participate in The Arts Academy agree to remain
in good academic standing and maintain a high level of attendance. They
will be programmed for an art sequence which will result in an
individualized portfolio showcasing his/her strengths in the art form they
are interested in pursuing in the future.

Are There Any Art Clubs I can Join?

We currently are running three different art clubs. Click on the links
below to visit their club pages for more information and meeting details.